The 2009 Aveo5 Hatchback is Chevrolet’s ultra-economy car. Its makeover not only adds a Chevy face, but also makes this cute little hatchback one of the funkiest fun rides on the road.
In addition to its Malibu-like face, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 sports three-dimensional, richly detailed headlamps that extend into the hood, available front foglamps, jewel-like taillights, a rear spoiler and a different back bumper, too. In between, Aveo5’s flanks wear a pair of chromed fender vents like fashion jewelry. Who would have thought a styling cue from the Cadillac CTS would look so cool on a small hatchback wagon?
Inside, the Aveo5 receives the completely redesigned, new interior that the Aveo sedan got last year. The Aveo5 cabin is well done, well appointed and has the upscale ambiance of a much more expensive car! The Aveo5’s dashboard has a pleasing matte finish with a dimpled texture as opposed to the shiny plastics found in its rivals. The instrument console contains two round multi-function gauges incorporating the speedometer and tachometer. The six dashboard vents are also round, and an “eyebrow” info screen sits on top in the center. It’s very attractive! A nicely designed center stack holds a high-grade stereo and climate controls. The new Aveo5 even offers a choice of wood, carbon fiber or satin chrome trim and two-toned leatherette seating. These are surprisingly upscale features for such an inexpensive car.
Speaking of price, the 2009 Aveo5 carries an MSRP of just $12,120 (including a $660 destination charge) for either the Aveo LS sedan or the new Aveo5 LS hatchback. That’s hundreds less than many competitors and includes standard features like OnStar and advanced, dual-stage frontal and side-impact airbags that you won’t find on any comparable car. Speaking of features, the Aveo5 also offers a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, power sunroof, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, keyless entry (with integrated fob) heated power mirrors and XM Satellite Radio. The optional power-operated sunroof retracts into the roof for improved aerodynamics, and the outside mirrors are power-adjustable.
The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 will be offered in three trim levels: base, LS and LT. Base models will have a tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, six-way adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, center console, 60/40-split folding second-row seat, AM/FM radio with four speakers, rear cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, OnStar assistance with one-year subscription and P185/60R14 tires on steel wheels with hubcaps. The LS model will add air conditioning, interior air filter and an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players. The LT will get cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, heated power mirrors, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, XM Satellite Radio, foglights and P185/55R15 tires on aluminum wheels. Options will include a rear spoiler and a sunroof.
The Aveo5 is a small car that feels very roomy, thanks to its tall body and squared-off hatchback rear. The upright body makes it easy for this small car to carry five passengers in comfort, and thanks to its stadium-style seating in the second row, legroom is plentiful. The Aveo5’s rear seats split and fold to create up to 42 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
The very best news for those of us suffering from gas pains (and who isn’t?) is the new, more powerful 107 hp 1.6-liter Ecotec engine, a modern motor that uses dual continuous variable valve timing to achieve great fuel economy and responsive performance. With 106 lb/ft of torque, the Aveo5 launches with authority and has the acceleration to keep up with freeway traffic. Compared to its predecessor, the new Aveo5 achieves an eight percent gain in fuel economy, boosting its EPA fuel economy rating to 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway (with the standard manual transmission). Aveo5 models equipped with the available four-speed automatic transmission get 25 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg on the highway. Chevrolet engineers designed a four-into-one sheet metal exhaust manifold that minimizes vibration and largely silences engine buzz. The front suspension uses MacPherson struts with offset coil springs and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a semi-independent torsion beam axle with coil springs and gas shocks. The brakes have front discs and rear drums.
The Aveo5 models come standard with dual frontal and side-impact airbags, as well as front safety belt pretensioners, a tire pressure monitoring system, oil life monitoring system and OnStar telematics. LS and LT models are available with antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.
The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 is not only a most affordable car to purchase and operate, its ownership costs are enhanced by the best warranty coverage in America, including Chevrolet’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance and a provision for courtesy transportation should repairs take longer than 24 hours.
The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 joins the Aveo Sedan as more than just basic transportation. If great value and incredible economy sound good to you, give the Aveo a try.
